Little Jack Allison is to become the first tot to go through an official new ceremony in Northumberland.

The seven-month-old is centre of attention at the county's first ceremony on Sunday.

His parents, Katy and Mark, of Shotley Bridge, Co Durham, invited 50 friends and family to witness the event at Matfen Hall Hotel.

Mr Allison, 31, said: "A naming ceremony is a bit more personal than a Christening and allows us to make more specific promises regarding our son's upbringing."

The non-religious event comes after a 12-month pilot scheme which began in Northumberland in April.

The scheme is a joint partnership between The Registration Services and Civil Ceremonies Ltd.

Jack's ceremony will be taken by Louise Fraser, Celebrant of Civil Ceremonies.

David Hunter, general manager of the hotel, said: "As more and more people choose to hold civil wedding ceremonies, more and more people will choose to have their children named in this extremely personal way."